Hi,

I'm in a quandary. My K model NC30 has the typical soft front end, sagging under its own weight. While its not a huge problem (doesn't bottom out even at the track) I'd like a bit more travel/firmness at the front. I have a recently rebuilt L rear shock on the rear (thanks db).

My budget is limited and I can choose between buying a set of L/M cartridge forks (which will need new seals) or fitting a RO spring kit to my current K model damper rod forks.

The prices would be approx:

Cartridge fork swap: second hand forks $150NZ + seals $40 + oil $10 = $NZ 200 (would retain the stock fork springs)
Upgrade current forks: Rick Oliver spring/spacer kit = $NZ 190

I'd be keen to hear your thoughts.

Cheers
Matt

BTW I'm 66kg, and do a mix of commuting and track days.

you run the risk of the "new" cartridge forks having the same issue - which is that the springs are tired.

RO kit in old forks is a good idea - but RO kit in later forks is a better idea..

Perhaps try to source some spacers to up the preload on the current forks so that they can make do til you get the wedge together for the proper upgrade?

for RO fork springs.

In my humble opion these (along with some new seals and fresh fork oil) are the biggest bang for your buck in terms of handling/suspension improvement. I have owned 7 NC30s now (bloody hell - just worked that out ) and a forks overhaul with RO upgraded springs is always very close to the top of the "to do" list with any bike that is going to be around more than a few weeks.

Better feedback from, and more confidance in, the front end - always nice

Might be worth getting the kit from rick and asking if he could supply the spacers for both types as the only difference is in the length of the spacers for cartridge and early type forks and the air gap springs are the same for both types then you have the option of using them if you decide on rebuilding cartridge forks later on ..
As said by the other guys it's money well spent a good upgrade on an nc30.

Excellent advice chaps, thanks very much. I didn't know the RO springs were the same for both forks, thanks Dave.

I've emailed Rick and he can supply 2 sets of spacers along with the springs, so they are ordered and on the way. BTW, Rick is awesome!

williamshatnerspants wrote:Excellent advice chaps, thanks very much. I didn't know the RO springs were the same for both forks, thanks Dave. I'll email Rick and see if he can supply 2 sets of spacers along with the springs and head down that route.

Hey Matt,

I am after some of the later forks if you know where any are, I'm in NZ too.

Cheers

Hi Neil. I know of someone who is selling a pair. Send me a PM and I'll check he still has them. Matt